Schwarzenegger ends political life

Arnold Schwarzenegger is closing what some may view as the most unlikely chapter is his remarkable life.

The former Hollywood superstar on Monday concluded his second four-year term as governor of California, America's most populous state.

Ted Johnson is a writer with Variety.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) TED JOHNSON, VARIETY LEGAL EDITOR, SAYING:

"When he came into office, there was a lot of enthusiasm. There was even talk of changing the Constitution so he would be allowed to run for President after all of this. There was talk of him seeking another office, like senate or mayor of Los Angeles. All that has dissipated right now. Right now he is in the position of low approval rating, wondering what to do next, what his next act will do, and pretty much defending his record in office."

Schwarzenegger - who was on hand for the swearing in of Jerry Brown as California's next governor, could not seek reelection because of term limits.

For the time being, Schwarzenegger, who considered himself a moderate Republican, is walking away from politics-- a life he entered back in 2003.

At a recent red carpet event, his former Hollywood colleagues gave Schwarzenegger some unsolicited advice.

SOUNDBITE) (English) KATHY GRIFFIN, SAYING:

"Well, he should be in "The Expendables 2," of course. And he should stop getting some work done, if you know what I'm saying, because he's really gone a little bit crazy with that. And then, I think he should fade away because I think he's done nothing but put this state in more debt."

(SOUNDBITE) (English) RAQUEL WELCH, SAYING:

"He'll be back. That's all I can say, what can I say."

It's not known whether the former box office superstar will soon return to his roots as one of the best-known names in Hollywood.

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